The 1st of Many Holiday Activities

We went on a Santa Train ride today in Roaring Spring. It was an hour-long train ride with a visit from Santa, a bag of treats, and carolers! We had such a blast we can't wait to do it again next year.

Momma with Jude waiting to board the train

Jackson and Jude standing next to car #3 - our car!

Dad and the boys by the caboose - still waiting to board!

What does Jude see? What could it be? Could it be......

SANTA!!!! (I know him)!

Poor Santa did have some competition for the boys' attention - a field of John Deere tractors - whoa!

OMG - look @ these 2 cuties!

Jude was very interested in the goodie bag Santa gave out. It included one of his favorites - Lollipops!

LOVE this photo of us!


The trip ended with hot chocolate and cookies back at the station

I just can't get over how much fun this was - I don't think I'm the only one who is thinking that!

Lots to be Thankful for!

And you wonder why I'm happy all the time?

Pittsburgh!

We spent a couple of days in Pittsburgh. Thanks to a conference I attended, we got to stay @ the Sheraton in Station Square for 2 nights and scored an awesome view of the river. In addition to the conference, we got to see some of the sights of Station Square and went out to Robinson Towne Center. Most of the family was under the weather, but somehow, Pittsburgh made everyone feel a tad better!

The VIEW from our room -

we kept the curtains open all night because we enjoyed this view so much!

Too cute not to post! Sleepy boys.

Jackson's photo of the Gateway Clipper - again from our hotel room - awesome!

About the only cool thing left to do in Station Square mall is ride the train

- that's cool enough for us!

It's Fall

I know photos haven't been coming very often, so here are a few of the boys doing fallish things!

My vampire and bat

Fun in the leaves - the boys love piling them up and jumping in them (especially from the swing).

Annual Trip to the Apple Cider Festival

This is one of our favorite days of the year - the Apple Cider Festival @ Prince Gallitzin State Park. Although it was a little breezy, we had a great time and the highlight (as always) was the hayride. We went early and it was packed; Ga-Ga came with us (no Pop, he's traveling). And yes, they actually do make apple cider at the festival - see photo below.

Yay! A family photo - we were on the hay ride for this one.

I can just imagine what was going through Jude's mind, "I want this one and this one and this one and this one and........."

Making apple cider the old fashioned way

The boys touch a white rat snake (eww yuck)

I Love the 80s!

We went to an 80s party last night. I'm not sure if we had more fun at the party or planning our outfits. Even the kids were decked out in "breakin" and "Pac Man" shirts courtesy of Jeremy (yes - those are his originals). I, on the other hand, had to make a stop at the local Goodwill to complete my outfit.

Nice painter's cap and breakin shirt

Pac Man rocks

Who's that hot couple? Check us out from head to toe. Orange chucks - check; pegged pants - check; lots o hair spray and blue eye shadow - check; jean jacket - check. ALL SET TO GO.

Jackson Turned 7

Jackson turned 7 on September 7th! Can't believe it. The 7th was Labor Day, so we got to celebrate his special day with him @ home! His party was on the 12th - pirate theme this year!

The gang sings HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Grammy Linda's cakes always impress!

Since Jackson is so blessed with good wishes and gifts all year long, we asked his party guests to bring books to his party to be donated. He donated close to 40 books to the Saint Michael School Library! I really think that he was proud to carry all those books into his school for everyone to enjoy!